Center Table 1825 - 1830

This Center Table was made by Duncan Phyfe, likely sometime in the early 19th century, from mahogany and other select woods. See how Phyfe has emphasized the material itself, choosing highly figured veneers, and arranging them in a radial pattern. The table is a testament to woodworking skill. The precise joinery, turning, and carving are all executed with a degree of perfection that speaks to a highly specialized workshop. In Phyfe's time, furniture like this was not just functional, but a display of wealth and taste. The mahogany would have been imported, and its transformation into this refined object would have been labor-intensive. The table therefore represents a complex network of trade, skill, and consumption. Looking closely at this table, we can appreciate the artistry involved in its construction, and also understand how it fits into a larger social and economic picture. It is a prime example of how craft and design can be elevated to the level of fine art.